The defensive end—who came on late in the 2011 season—has been lost for the coming year with a torn Achilles tendon in his right foot, according to reports in the Tampa Tribune.

Bowers would have competed for the starting left end job with Michael Bennett, who will now be the incumbent going into training camp in July. Bowers was scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday.

This is the latest chapter in a career hampered by injuries for the talented player out of Clemson. At one time, it was thought that Bowers could have been the overall first pick in the 2011 draft. Concerns over the condition of his left knee saw him fall out of the first round and into the second, where the Buccaneers took him.

It looked like the steal of the draft, but this latest episode clouds the future for Bowers. He could return late in the season, depending on how his rehabilitation goes. But injuries like this often end a season before it starts, as is the case with Bowers.

The Buccaneers now may add a veteran defensive end to their roster before camp begins.

The team recalled Myles Wade, the defensive tackle from Portland State and put him back on the roster, but they also said farewell to LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson.